Melanie Castleman

My dad barracks for Richmond. I actually started following the Sydney Swans and one of my sisters went for the Bears. I think it’s that we had a choice. I would have been about five when I switched, because of dad. Mum barracked for Richmond when we were kids, but she barracks for Collingwood now.

Favourite all-time player?

Matty Knights. It was just the way he played, and he sent me a birthday card, once. He was the best.

Favourite current player?

Brett Deledio. I have three, actually. Griggs and Morris and Deledio. I love the way Brett plays, his speed, he’s fast and he kicks goals from outside 50. And he’s good-looking, although not the beard, no. Don’t like the beard. But I like the long sleeves. He used to wear them when he was younger.

What do you most like about Richmond?

The fans. I have all my friends in the one place at the football. It’s a good atmosphere when we get up and going. It’s good to be a part of it when we get winning. I’ve been part of the cheer squad for five years, now. I met Lyn at training once and she told me to come down and I’ve been here ever since. It’s the fans that make it special. And I like being able to make the banner and go out onto the ground and hold that banner up for the players to run through.

Do you have a match-day superstition?

Not really, but if somebody’s not here at the football and we win, we tell them they’re not allowed to come next week. I guess I put face paint on each week. I’ve been coming to the football with face paint ever since I was a child. And I like to wear the jumper as well. I always wear it to the games.

When will we next win a premiership?

Next few years, hopefully. Before I die! I hope it is soon. They’ve just got to work on a few things, but they can do it.